independent variable
An "independent variable" is a crucial concept in experimental design, representing the element manipulated to observe its effect on another variable.
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Definition
C1Experimental Research
(technical, academic)The element that is intentionally changed by the researcher to observe its impact on the dependent variable.
Example
- In the study, the amount of sunlight was the independent variable, while plant growth was the dependent variable.
C1Mathematics
(technical, academic)A value in an equation that is not influenced by other variables in that equation.
Example
- In the function y = 3x + 2, x is the independent variable.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "independent variable":